California Forestry
» Ownership
Ownership
Ownership of California Forests
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Forests in California cover 31.2 million acres - over 30% of the state's total land area.
California's largest forest landowner is the American public. There are 13.2 million acres (44% *) overseen by the United States Forest Service, in a network of national forests that cover extensive areas of the Sierra Nevada and coast ranges.
The Forest Service's traditional mission is "multiple use", with consideration given for the conservation and enjoyment of important resource values such as timber, water, fish and wildlife habitat, and recreation. Timber harvest--in compliance with detailed forest plans and all applicable federal environmental laws--is allowed in portions of California's national forests, although harvesting has declined 90 percent since 1988. Other portions are not available for multiple use, such as wilderness areas where no logging is allowed. California has 4.5 million acres of national forest wilderness areas.
Besides national forests, there are 3.8 million (12% *) additional acres held in other forms of public ownership, including state and national parks, and lands managed by the federal Bureau of Land Management.
California's remaining forestlands are privately owned: 4.5 million acres (12% *) by forest industry and 9.5 million acres (32% *) by other private landowners. Not surprisingly, the most intensive management for sustainable wood fiber production takes place on California's forest industry lands.
\* % of total California forestland
[Source: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Fire and Resource Assessment Program]